2025 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Giants Preview & Prediction

Well, Packers fans, that Monday night game versus the Eagles at Lambeau Field worked out as we predicted but not as we hoped. And the score was lower, as well: 10-7. Oy. Philly took it. Or did the Packers give it away? Honestly, until the Packers offense begins playing as expected that question about giving the game away will be an ongoing one. A defense that holds opposing offenses to 26 points across two games with an offense scoring just 20. Maddening.

As former Super Bowl-winning quarterback and MVP Kurt Warner noted when asked about what's ailing the Packers by ESPN sportscaster Rich Eisen, Warner said the Pack had a lot of injuries at key positions on the offensive side of the ball. Granted, he also noted, everybody has injuries so that can't be an excuse. But it does offer context. He also thought that it seemed to him Jordan Love is going through perhaps four or five progressions when he could probably eliminate two or three of those at the line of scrimmage when reading the defense so he could get the ball out faster. He also said he saw a couple instances where Love had an open receiver that he's looking at directly, but then tries to throw to a different receiver rather than taking what's right there.

Wondering what the instructions are that head coach and play-caller Matt LaFleur is giving to Love? It seems as if Love is operating as close to whatever the script is as possible ... instead of letting it rip as was the instruction in late 2023 when Love's play was incredible. He still has the arm, he still has the ability ... what maybe he doesn't have — for whatever reason — is the confidence of the head coach ...? This is now part of the conversation around LaFleur, Love and the offensive impotence we've seen especially in the last two games.

Anyway, enough about what was (and perhaps is). Let's look at Sunday's game against the NY Giants.

The Packers need to see RB Josh Jacobs and other playmakers

crossing the goal line today vs. the Giants.

(Photo by Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Preview

The Giants are 2-8 coming into this game and after firing their head coach. But they still have four first-round draft picks on the defensive line. So if their performance is mixed as it seems to have been in most games this season, the Packers jerry-rigged offensive line may have opportunities to create some running lanes — wouldn't that be nice? — and provide pass protection to QB Jordan Love who, let's admit it, for whatever reason(s) in the last two games has been like a deer in the headlights. Whether LaFleur doesn't trust his mega-millions QB to operate the offense and "let it rip" or Love is second-guessing himself, something has to change.

Granted, the offensive line challenges for the Packers this season have been of the higher order. Center Elton Jenkins is now out for the season due to a torn ACL and fractured fibula suffered in last week's game. Sean Rhyan is now at center. Moving parts once again because it's not just one guy. Of course, the "deep" wide receiving room was almost scraping the bottom of the barrel last game; WR Bo Melton who had been moved to cornerback was moved back to wide receiver and was targeted on multiple occasions by Love with minimal success. On a crucial 4th-and-6 play late in the game Love hit him cleanly in what would have kept a drive and go-ahead opportunity alive. Instead, Melton never got his hands in position to catch the pass; hit him right in the shoulder pads. Basically, it was game over given the ineptitude of the play-calling and execution for the night. Fortunately, there will be a few better options at receiver in today's game.

But this also raises the question of why LaFleur brought out the still-injured kicker Brandon McManus to try a 64-yarder to tie the game as time ran off the clock after turning down earlier opportunities at shorter distances to use him, going for it on 4th down when a healthy kicker would have been the preferred option. Perhaps as a result of McManus missing field goals in each of the 3 games since his return (and coincidentally being 1-2 in those games with missed field goals playing a role in the two losses), he is listed as doubtful for today's game. Good thing the Packers kept the franchise record-holder, Lukas Havrisik, on the roster...just in case. Look for Havrisik to try to salvage the Pack's kicking game today.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 7 at the time of this writing. Oddsmakers are obviously factoring the Pack's defense to handle Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who’s replacing Jaxson Dart who is out with a concussion. Winston has a strong arm but is prone to INTs. Plus, the Giants are without their top receiver and running back. Now, we've been there before, facing a team or teams who were without their top whatevers. Result? Packers still lost. It's a disturbing trend.

Still, this is one of those "get right" games for the Packers. They need this win before entering their three-game stretch against NFC North division rivals. Things don't get any easier from there, either.

The Pack needs this game to re-establish (establish?) their mojo.

We're call it Packers 20 - Giants 13. Yes, that's the combined score for the Pack from their prior two games combined. While it could be argued they should be scoring 20 in a half, we'll take it at this point for a game and a win.

Go Pack Go!!! 

2022 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Titans Preview & Prediction

Have we exhaled yet from Sunday's overtime thrilling win vs. the Cowboys, Packer fans? Wow. Down 14 and ultimately giving the 'boys their first loss with a lead by that much in the 4th quarter in 196 games. Yay. They finally showed up on both sides of the ball. Special teams? Well, a missed FG early by Mason (even a long one) usually is not a good harbinger of things to come. Then toss in the now-departed-from-the-Packers Amari Rodgers' punt problems and it nearly looked as if things were just too much to overcome. Thought my prediction of a loss would unfortunately come to fruition.

But not.

Thankfully, rookie wide receiver Christian Watson had his coming-out party with 3 touchdown catches, including a few long ones. Finally. Finally. If he can keep the injury bug away, and keep hanging on to the ball, he will continue to create issues for opposing defenses.

While it was a gutsy win, and not perfect, it sure was the best we've seen the Packers perform all season. That level of play will need to continue this evening, on a short turnaround, vs. the Titans.

QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be wearing their all-white 'color flash'

uniforms tonight at Lambeau Field. Let's hope they bring the team continued luck.

(Photo by Jonathon Daniel/Getty Images)

The Preview

We know that the Packers may have found a winning formula on offense: running the ball at least as much or more than passing it. That includes having the starting 5 offensive linemen start and finish the game for the first time this season. That was huge. The trick tonight will be how well David Bakhtiari's and Elgton Jenkins' surgically repaired knees hold up on a short week. This will be a key to success tonight against one of the league's top rushing defenses.

The Packers will need to stick with the run early and not become one-dimensional in the passing game, as was the case for most if not all of the 5-game losing streak. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will have to really pound the ball tonight, and to open up passing opportunities. WR Randall Cobb will be coming off IR and will likely see limited play, but may come up with a key catch or 2 to keep drives alive. Watson will stretch the field. Allen Lazard can be the mid-range over-the-middle guy. But in those passing situations that line is going to need to give Rodgers time as it did on Sunday. And if nothing is there, and the field opens up ... "Run, Aaron, Run".

As for how to handle the Titans' offense, that really boils down to handling that beast-of-a-running-back Derrick Henry. He's fast and as big or bigger than some linebackers...a one-of-a-kind threat. The Packers will need to jam up the inside lines and contain on the edges. A tough challenge. If Henry could be limited to under 100 yards that would be a win for the Packers defense. As would minimizing explosive plays, something which hasn't been the Pack's strong suit much of the season. We have been witnessing better play out of Joe Barry's defense over the last several games. So, maybe. But with De'Vondre Campbell being out again tonight that doesn't help. Young players such as linebackers Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie will have to fill the void in major ways tonight. If the Packers can hold Henry in check, Titans QB Ryan Tannehill will have to win the game. Not impossible. But the Packers secondary should be able to hold down the Titans' passing game if they continue to play the way they did vs. Dallas.

Tennessee will be missing some key players of their own tonight: K Randy Bullock, OL Bud Dupree, S Amani Hooker, DB Lonnie Johnson, and C Ben Jones. Those missing pieces are not insubstantial. If the Packers can get through the game as relatively unscathed as on Sunday, they have a great shot of emerging on top tonight.

The Prediction

Given the prime time focus of this game tonight — on which Rodgers seems to thrive, as we know — and the 3 out of 4 wins in prior games wearing the all-whites, the cohesiveness we saw play out on Sunday should continue this evening. The weather advantage favors the Pack, as well: it will be cold, with air temps about 24 F and with wind chills likely in the single digits. Perhaps even some flurries. Yes, both teams have to play in it. But this is the time of the year when the Frozen Tundra feel starts to work its magic for the home team.

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points at the time of this posting.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Titans 21.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

As we pass the midway point of the 2022 season, the Green Bay Packers sit at 3-5 following a 4-game losing streak. Our preseason prediction projected the Pack to be 5-3. So much for that idea. The "Top 5" defense that everyone projected prior to the season has not shown up to play a complete game. The offensive bet that the team could allow their best offensive weapon, Davante Adams, to walk and instead go without a legitimate number 1 receiver, some so-so veterans, and a couple rookies ... yeah, that hasn't worked out so well either. And failing to pick up any help a few days ago at the trade deadline ... as QB Aaron Rodgers said afterwards, it's the guys in the locker room who are going to have to get it done.

That "get it done" part begins Sunday against the Lions in Detroit.

There hasn't been much to smile about for the Packers over the last 4 games.

The two Aarons — Rodgers and Jones — hope to put smiles back in play

with a win vs. the Lions on Sunday.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Here's the basics on the Lions: while they are 1-6 and holding down last place in the NFC North, their offense leads the league in explosive plays. They are averaging more than 35 points at home. On the flip side, Detroit is the worst scoring and yards-allowed defense in the league.

What to do with that set of contradictions? The obvious answers are for the Packers defense to play a complete game. They did a great job in the 2nd half of the game against the high-flying Bills last week especially and if they can get any carry-over on that in this game it would be a big help indeed.

While the Packers offense has yet to find itself, last week indicated that feeding Aaron Jones and getting the running game going can be a key to a win ... eventually. The passing game is still hampered by the lack of a number 1 receiver. The default number 1, Allen Lazard, is listed as questionable for the game at the time of this writing, as is rookie receiver Christian Watson who had to leave last week's contest after sustaining a concussion. This has really be a dreadful start to the NFL career for the young man due to being snake-bit, as the saying goes. Between ongoing hamstring issues and now a concussion, the injuries have slowed his ability to be the threat the Packers were hoping for when they drafted him early in the second round this Spring. 

Between the shifting players on the offensive line (David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins practiced but in limited ways this week and are questionable for the game), the lack of a commitment to the running game, and no threats among the receiving corps, Aaron Rodgers has also not been his usual self.

In sum, the Packers have yet to play a complete game in all phases. They have also not done well of late playing at Detroit, despite the Lions' record at the time of the game. And this season, the Lions are a better team than their record would indicate. As we have seen throughout the league this season, the difference between winning and losing a game is often a very slim margin indeed.

Win this game and the Packers can keep hopes of a playoff spot alive. Lose this game and it will be one of those "Woulda-Shoulda-Coulda" type years. And with Rodgers future up in the air and major salary cap hits on the books for next year, we could be in for ... sorry, can't say it. Not yet.

The Prediction

The Packers are 3-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. If ever there was a must-win game for this team, it is this one. If they can't get it done against the Lions — who will likely give the Pack everything they have — it's back to the drawing board.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Lions 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. Buccaneers Preview & Prediction

 As we begin, let us acknowledge that the Packers did what they needed to do last weekend: beat Da Bearz at Lambeau Field in their home opener. Yay. As Elvis would say: TCB, baby! Takin' care of business!

Which leads us to today when the Pack takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the late afternoon heat and humidity of Florida. Ewww. Plus, that Tom Brady QB guy. Double ewww.

The Preview

This game is being hyped, as expected, as perhaps the last meeting between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Brady and Aaron Rodgers. This is likely Brady's last season and as for Rodgers, who knows? But as much as fans are interested in this aspect of the game, this is a contest in which the defenses may have more of an impact than the offenses. Who'd ever imagine saying that in a Brady vs. Rodgers game? But here we are.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers hoping to improve today on his record

vs. the Buccaneers against whom he is just 2-4, 1-3 in Tampa.

(Photo by Jason Behnken, AP)

Tampa's defense is arguably the best in the NFL right now. The Packers' defense was expected prior to the season to be a Top 5 defense. A bit of the air in that balloon went out in the opening loss to the ViQueens. Last weekend's game vs Chicago helped a bit, but still a lot of missed tackles. But, after all, it was Chicago so we can't read too much into that, can we?

The Bucs offense, despite being led by Brady, will be down a few receivers today: Mike Evans is suspended, Chris Godwin is out for the third straight week and Julio Jones is questionable. The running game also isn't quite at full strength, according to reports. Brady isn't as mobile as he once was and without his usual weapons, the Packers defense should have the upper hand. Should.

The Packers offense is still a work in progress. The O-line got RT Elgton Jenkins back last week. This week, word is that LT David Bakhtiari will play today. We'll see how well he is able to hold up against the Bucs defense in his first game back after his long ACL recovery. Rushing will be a challenge against this defense which, in normal times, one would look upon as a cue to rely on the pass. Except that the Pack is also down a few receivers right now. The team placed Sammy Watkins on the IR, a place where he has, unfortunately, spent a good portion of his once-promising career. This is a game where Rodgers may need to rely more on TE Robert Tonyan and work on building his trust with his rookie receivers, particularly Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. And if the Pack can get RBs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon touches out of the backfield that can help open things up a bit, too.

The Pack will need to control the clock today, avoid turnovers and special teams mistakes, and — cliche as it is — make the plays they are supposed to make. Oh, and pressuring and getting at least one turnover against Brady and the Bucs' offense would help a great deal, as well.

The Prediction

This is projected by the oddsmakers as a relatively low-scoring game with the over-under set at 42. Tampa is favored by 1-1/2 points.

To us, this seems almost like a pick 'em type game. Both teams have question marks, both teams have great QBs, but the Bucs are at home. In the heat and humidity (it's supposed to feel like 101 degrees F right about time of kickoff...and that's not even the on-the-field heat), Tampa players should be more well adapted to the conditions. Not the frozen tundra, but rather the sweltering swamp.

As much as we hope the outcome is otherwise, we see this one going the way of Tampa Bay in a close one. (Please let us be wrong!)

We're calling it Buccaneers 20 - Packers 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

 At long last, the new NFL regular season finally gets underway with the Green Bay Packers meeting NFC North divisional rival the Minnesota Vikings ... otherwise known among many as the ViQueens. The game will take place in Minnesota.

As others have pointed out, most teams don't play many of their starters during the three preseason games so this first regular season game is essentially a continuation of the preseason...at least for those starters who sat out most or all of the preseason games. The Pack and the 'Queens will be working out kinks, especially on offense, for this game and likely a game or two beyond. Expect defenses to dominate. As it is anticipated that the Pack's defense will wind up being a Top 5 defense when all is said and done, this is something Packers fans should welcome.

Head coach, Matt LaFleur, is set to begin his fourth season at the helm of the Packers. Has achieved record-setting regular season win-loss records during his first three years, but significant playoff and Super Bowl wins have eluded him ...

so far.

(Photo by Samantha Mader/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Preview

The Packers will be without LT David Bakhtiari today and probably at least through next week against Da Bearz, as well. RT Elgton Jenkins is questionable, and WR Allen Lazard is doubtful for today, the latter leaving an already questionable receiving corps even further shorthanded. But the Packers still have QB Aaron Rodgers commanding the offense. And head coach Matt LaFleur and his brain trust have had plenty of time to scheme a new offense sans Davante Adams. Even without the arguable number one receiver in Lazard, the Pack still has considerable weapons on offense, particularly in the form of the two-headed running back monster comprised of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The game should revolve a bit more around that phase of the game — both rushing and pass-catching — than we have seen in a while. But that doesn't mean that Rodgers will be limited. With veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, along with rookie receivers Christian Watson and training camp darling Romeo Doubs, Rodgers will have targets downfield and across the middle. And don't forget the return of TE Robert Tonyan who was lost for most of last season. He gives Rodgers a great and reliable red zone target. The offense will put up points, perhaps just not in as much of a flurry as we are used to, at least not early in the season.

The defensive unit will be more high-powered this year than last, along the line, across the linebackers, and especially in the defensive backfield. The defense will be called upon early to keep the Packers in games...and perhaps even to win one or two early. Let's feel good about that.

As for the Packers special teams ... it can't be worse than last season. A new coach, new personnel — including some starters — and perhaps even new schemes should move the Pack up from the bottom of the pile where this squad has languished for far too long...and which has cost the Packers in the past. That has to change this season. Will see how things look today.

As for the ViQueens, the Packers defense will get a good test in this first outing taking on the likes of QB Kirk Cousins (not horrible), Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. A definite test right out of the box for the Pack's D. On the flip side, former Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith is out for revenge as he has been proclaiming how badly he was treated last season by his former team. So he'll have an extra little motor going today, no doubt.

Overall, the 'Queens have a new head coach, new schemes, etc. Will just have the same annoying horn and skol sounds as background noise.

The Prediction

Minnesota gets the home field advantage, shaved just a bit, as 2-point favorites at the time of this post. Basically, expect this to be a toss-up type game as they so often are. We just don't know what kind of team we have yet in any phase of the game. Wouldn't surprise us if the Pack came up just short. But also wouldn't surprise us if they pull out a close one.

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview and Prediction

Quick look back...the game in Minnesota didn't quite finish up the way we had hoped, did it, Packers fans? The Pack's defense was not up to its usual level, failing to get pressure on the ViQueens QB, Kirk Cousins, and allowing him plenty of time to find receivers — especially Justin Jefferson — who somehow seemed to roam free most the day. That, and failing to get stops when needed and INTs when presented. And penalties at inopportune times. So ... disappointing on the defensive side. Offense wasn't exactly up to snuff either. And Mason Crosby's problems continued. Oh, and did we mention losing for the rest of the season and beyond all-position-O-lineman Elgton Jenkins to an ACL tear? All together it added up to a loss.

Next.

The Preview

Today, the Packers play the LA Rams at Lambeau Field. The Rams are 7-3 and coming off their bye week. Rested, in other words. The Packers are 8-3, beat up, and looking forward to finally having their bye week following this game. QB Aaron Rodgers hasn't really practiced in weeks, first as a result of Covid protocols and most recently with the infamous broken toe. He looked rusty last week. Can we expect better today? Hope so. RB Aaron Jones did practice this week and is listed as questionable for the game at the time of this writing. Having him back would be a definite plus, but RB A.J. Dillon has proven himself capable, as well, both as a runner and receiver. The Rams can be run on, as both the Cardinals and 49ers showed.

The LA pass rush, led by Aaron Donald and the newly-acquired Von Miller, will test the piecemeal Green Bay offensive line. The Pack's running game must find a way to keep that pass rush from going off every time Rodgers drops back. Head coach Matt LaFleur needs to stick with the ground game today to open up the passing game or it could be a long day for Rodgers.

Packers' now-starting LT, Yosh Nijman, will be counted

on today to handle a major Rams pass rush.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

One of the few positives to come out of last week's game at Minnesota was the break-out game by WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling who had a couple big catches, including a 75-yarder late in the game to give the Packers a chance to come away with a win. His breakaway speed finally combined with a pair of hands that was more reliable than what we've often seen in the past. May it continue thusly.

On the defensive side of things, the Packers pass rush needs to get to QB Matthew Stafford. As we have seen from his many years with the Lions, he's a good QB but if pressured will give the defense opportunities for takeaways. The D-backs have to be in better coverage positions than last week or WR Cooper Kupp could go off the same way Justin Jefferson did last week...which would not be conducive to a Packers victory.

Will the weather be a factor today? Probably not the way Coach LaFleur would have hoped for. No snow forecast, but it will be around freezing at the time of kickoff and in the mid-20s as the game winds down. Winds may gust up to around 20 mph. Whether the warm-weather Rams will be affected by these conditions...doubtful. QB Stafford is certainly familiar with playing in these early winter conditions at Lambeau Field. Although he's not always been successful there, either.

The Prediction

The pundits looking at this game, the Rams coming off their bye and the Pack seemingly limping into theirs, have installed the Rams as 2 to 2-1/2-point favorites, depending upon who are looking at. The Rams are healthy and the Packers are not. It would take a great effort in all phases of the game for the Pack to win this game. The Pack hasn't lost back-to-back games in the Matt LaFleur coaching era. This sets up to be the first time that could happen.

Still, we're calling it Packers 28 - Rams 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 5: Packers vs. Bengals Preview and Prediction

First things first: the Packers did what they needed to do last weekend vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers: win. The Pack finished the first quarter of the season with a 3-1 record, as we projected in our season preview. So we're on track so far. Yay.

But in the win last week there was also a huge loss: CB Jaire Alexander suffered a potentially severe shoulder injury while making a tackle. He's on the temporary IRL for at least the next three games...or for the season if he needs surgery. Not great. Especially with Za'Darius Smith out for the season, as well. That's two big impact players out for the defense today. Against a burgeoning offense on the part of the Cincinnati Bengals. So...time for the preview...

This is the image we hope to see at the end of today's game vs. the Bengals:

a smiling head coach Matt LaLleur and happy QB Aaron Rodgers.

(Photo by Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports)

The Preview

The Packers come into this game banged up on defense, as noted above, and also on offense where starting rookie center Josh Myers is out with a finger injury, all-purpose swingman Elgton Jenkins is out ... in total, three out of five of the usual starters are out overall. Not great against a good defensive line. Will they be able to protect Rodgers? Will they be able to open running lanes for Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon? The approach needs to be balanced in order to keep the ball and at the same time keep Bengals QB Joe Burrows and his young but very talented receiving corps on the bench.

The Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing.

Four out of the next five games are on the road for the Pack. Starting things off with a win in Cincinnati would certainly help in this tough stretch of games. But it's not going to be easy.

The Prediction

We — and many other prognosticators — see this as a game that could go either way. The Packers defense needs to get pressure on Burrows or it could be a long day for the secondary. The Packers duct-taped offensive line needs to protect Rogers, obviously, but also needs to open up running lanes to keep the Bengals defense from continual pressure on Rodgers.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - Bengals 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 4: Packers vs. Steelers Preview and Prediction

First things first: we were wrong in our prediction about the Niners beating the Packers in last week's game. Thankfully so. Glad to be wrong and admit it.

For this week's game, the 2-1 Pack is back home in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field taking on the 1-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points at the time of this writing. Seems about right, but more on that later in the prediction.

For now, what do things look like?

QB Aaron Rodgers was aided by a quick-release passing approach

in the game vs. the 49ers. So was his young offensive line. Expect that

approach again today vs. the Steelers.

(Photo by Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson/USA Today Sports)

The Preview

The Packers, as all good fans know, are coming off an exhilarating last second come-back win against San Francisco. Thirty-seven seconds left, no time outs, and the length of the field to go...or at least a portion of it to get in field goal range for Mason Crosby. Voila!

What we saw in that game may well be the precursor to what will happen again in today's game, minus — it is hoped — the needed comeback in the closing seconds of the game. The Pack's O-line will be without the services of it best lineman, Elgton Jenkins. Which means a young line is likely going to be challenged even more than last week, particularly with the likes of T.J. Watt across from them. But rookie LT Yosh Nijman handled, with a bit of assistance from the tight ends now and then, Niners DE Nick Bosa. The rest of the young line in the middle also held up well as head coach Matt LaFleur went for the most part with a quick-release passing game which meant the linemen didn't need lengthy pass protection times in order to allow the scheme to unfold. Given what Pittsburgh and its front might be able to generate, it would seem that last week's approach would be well suited to today, as well. Unfortunately, the receiving corps will be without Marquez Valdes-Scantling today. He pulled a hamstring in last week's game and will be given time to rest that injury. He's needed going forward so no need to risk him further right now.

On defense, the Packers will be without Za'Darius Smith for the foreseeable future as he had back surgery this week for an injury which cropped up during training camp. Given his contract and salary cap hit for next season, it's likely we won't see him suit up for the Packers ever again. His pass rush will be missed. Still, this opens up opportunities for others. Last week, without Smith, we saw a pass rush that sustained itself at a high level throughout the game. If the defense can muster that same energy today, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger should find himself under pressure a great deal today. At age 39, Big Ben isn't the same QB he once was. That can add up to good things for the Pack.

The Prediction

After losing two in a row after a good start in Week 1 at Buffalo, the Steelers will come into Lambeau looking to get back on track. Home state boy and former Wisconsin Badgers standout (and a should-have-been Packers draft pick, it should be noted) T.J. Watt will obviously want to have a big game. He will be a disruptive force, no doubt, but the Packers can't allow him to take over the game on that side of the ball. For the Pack, they will want to continue the offensive and, especially, defensive schemes evolution that have occurred since Week 1. And there is no reason to suspect that they won't.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Steelers 20.

Go Pack Go!!! 

2021 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers did what they needed to do last Monday evening: beat the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Final score was 35-17. Our prediction was 34-24...so...close...somewhat.

But it's not about last week's game or prediction, it's all about tonight's battle on the West Coast, as the Pack meets the 49ers. Reminder, too, this is a "short" week for the Packers, plus the travel. For whatever reasons, the Packers haven't had what you'd call a great deal of success on these trips west. Reasons vary. But what about tonight's game?

The Preview

It's about player availability here as much as anything tonight. The Packers will be without LT Elgton Jenkins tonight on offense (not helpful) and Za'Darius Smith again on defense. Those are two key pieces for the Pack. We also just learned that DB Kevin King is out of tonight's game due to illness. This should give rookie Eric Stokes a chance to continue to show that he is the future at that spot; he had a great game against Detroit and, to our point of view, is a clear upgrade over King. So a blessing in disguise here, perhaps.

Conversely, the Niners will be down to about their sixth-string running back. They are hurting, too. Don't need to say any more about that. And expect San Fran to continue shuffling their veteran and rookie quarterbacks, which may present ongoing challenges for the Pack's defenders.

Having said that, we saw in last Monday's game that the Packers offense can, as expected, put up points...even with QB Aaron Rodgers overthrowing a couple long balls to Marquez Valdes-Scantling that would likely have been easy scores. But the Pack's defense continues to be a huge concern, particularly its lack of pass rush. New defensive coordinator Joe Barry's scheme hasn't come together. In apparently an emphasis to stop the run first, it has allowed the opposing quarterback to sit back in the pocket nearly untouched through the first two games. That has to end...soon.

Could special teams make a difference? Rookie running back / returner Kylin HIll has performed well in his returner role. Could he pop one today? Possible. But could the Packers special teams unit also give up a return? Yes. So we can't count on special teams to decide the game.

It will come down to Rodgers doing Rodgers-like things. More than once or twice. Perhaps even with the ball in his hands at the end of the game to determine the outcome. That would be a positive in our view.

The Prediction

The Niners are favored at the time of this writing by 3-1/2 points...a bit more than home field advantage. And given the Pack's historic performances in these contests, a bit surprised the spread isn't more than that.

In our season prediction, we had the Pack going 3-1 in the first four games. While we didn't make game-by-game picks at that time, instead looking at the overall opponents and schedule, this in actuality was the game we most expected the Packers to lose. While we thought the opener against the Saints would be a tough game, we never saw the team not getting off the plane to play.

While we hope we are wrong, we still see the Packers dropping this one, based off recent history as much as anything, plus the problems on defense.

We're calling this game 49ers 31 - Packers 27.

Still ... Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Happy New Year, Packers fans! Welcome to 2021. May this year be better than the last. Hard to imagine it being worse. Let us pray...

The last game in 2020 saw the Pack trounce the Titans at a snowy Lambeau Field. Tennessee was supposedly the team that would be the toughest challenge for the the Packers until they (hopefully) reach the Super Bowl. RB Derrick Henry would reportedly run roughshod over a Packers defense that has been less than stellar for a long time against the run. Despite the weather, despite Henry (who was held to under 100 yards rushing), despite it all, the Pack triumphed 40-14. It was not the game we, or many expected. And for that we were grateful.

The game was a coming out party of sorts for rookie RB A.J. Dillon who rushed for 124 yards and his first 2 TDs of the season. QB and soon-to-be three-time MVP Aaron Rodgers threw for 4 TDs and 1 INT, while all-world receiver Davante Adams had 11 catches for 142 yards and 3 TDs. It was also a coming out party for a Packers defense that we hadn't seen in a while. As noted, they shut down arguably the top running back in the league and that left the offense in the hands of QB Ryan Tannehill, who had been having a pretty good season. But against the Pack he was picked off twice, only his sixth and seventh interceptions of the season, and wound up throwing for just 121 yards with a completion rate around 45 percent.

Game, set, match ... Packers.

Now, on to Chicago and our neighbors to the south, Da Bearz.

QB Aaron Rodgers will have to deal the rest of this season and likely

to mid-season next year without starting LT David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari

suffered a season-ending freak ACL injury during practice on Thursday.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The first item of note is that starting LT David Bakhtiari is lost for the rest of this season and into the next as a result of a freak ACL injury that occurred during practice on Thursday. Not great. At all. But the Packers O-line has been dealing with injuries throughout the season and is used to shuffling players around. It's likely that Billy Turner will play LT, Rick Wagner will play RT and Lucas Patrick will play RG. Thankfully, starting center Corey Linsley returned last week to return stability to the middle of the line. Elgton Jenkins also give the Pack a lot of flexibility in case anyone else goes down on the line. Let's hope not.

Secondly, with RB Jamaal Williams returning today, head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he'd like to find ways to use all 3 running backs — Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Williams — on the field at the same time. He even said he'd be challenged not to overdo that formation. So let's see if that happens today. We'd think it would give Chicago's defense fits, as all 3 cannot only run the ball aggressively but can catch the ball, as well. Then throw in the Packers corps of receivers. Can you imagine trying to defend that? Oh, and did we mention that Da Bearz will be without 2 of their starting defensive backs? (In best Seinfeld voice) That's a shame.

Chicago has a good running back of their own in David Montgomery who has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. In order for the Packers to enhance their chances for victory today the defense will need to shut down Montgomery the way they did Henry last week. That means  Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will need to once again protect the edge and funnel things inside as much as possible. That was a key to success last week and will be so again today. Oh, and lest we forget: the Packers signed NT Damon "Snacks" Harrison this week and he was able to practice. It will be interesting to see how much the Packers work him into defensive schemes today and how he plays. He should be a valuable pick up for the playoff run.

Back to Da Bearz. QB Mitchell Trubisky has been having a better end to the season than start. After being benched for Nick Foles, he's responded well to the challenge. But it's also been against so-so defenses, to say the least. The Packers defense has been getting better as the season has progressed. If Chicago's chances rest in his hands...good luck with that.

The Prediction

The Packers are 4-1/2 to 5 point favorites depending upon who's making that call. I consulted my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, to get his take on the game. He told me that I'm not supposed to say that he really thinks the Pack will go up by 3 or 4 touchdowns early and then start resting players. Instead, he says since its in writing, I should say that he's calling it 28-27 Bearz.

So there's one point of view. Or two, if you're counting.

Here's a third. Despite the hard hit incurred with the loss of Bakhtiari, we think the Packers are on a roll right now and things are gelling at the right time. We expect Da Bearz to put up a spirited game — after all, they are playing for a potential playoff spot. But the Pack is playing for the #1 overall seed, a bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they play for 4 quarters, they'll win with room to spare. If they let Chicago hang around, well, if it comes down to Rodgers or Trubisky making a play to win the game, c'mon.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Bearz 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Eagles Preview and Prediction

Packers fans: regardless of what else might be going on in the USA and around the planet, all is well and in balance in the universe when the Green Bay Packers beat Da Bearz. And that is exactly what happened last week when the Pack beat Chicago, 41-25, at Lambeau Field in front of a primetime TV audience. Doesn't get better than that. Oh, and let's just add that the game was nowhere near as close as the final score may indicate. Our prediction indicated it would be a bit tighter of a game. Very glad to say that it wasn't. The Packers now sit at 8-3 in the NFC North with the ViQueens and Da Bearz following at 5-6 and the Lions in their usual spot at the bottom of the standings at 4-7. The Packers can pretty well lock things up in the division today, if not officially then practically speaking, with a win over the 3-7-1 Eagles.

This is how we hope to see Packers QB Aaron Rodgers exit

the field after today's game vs. the Eagles: victorious!

(Photo by William Glasheen, Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-WI)

The Preview

The Packers have the highest scoring offense in the NFL once again this week, edging out Kansas City. The Pack is averaging 31.7 points per game. The Eagles come in at about 10 points less per game, 21.5. That spread bodes well for today. The Eagles offense has lost a lot of its offensive line, and will be starting its eleventh configuration in 12 games today. This should open some opportunities for the Packers pass rush today if they can get it going consistently. Put pressure on that line and sacks and turnovers would likely be in store.

Philly is also out some of their key offensive weapons. And while QB Carson Wentz is just a few years removed from an MVP calibre season, he seems to have faded a bit, particularly in terms of his passing accuracy when you look at the stats. But as Wayne Larrivee, "Radio Voice of the Green Bay Packers", said in a pregame discussion today, if you look at poor quarterback play you can usually factor in poor offensive line play and lack of weapons to rely on. Still, if the Pack's defense can exploit that weak offensive line and pressure Wentz, he will be off target. Now, Philly has a good running back who gave the Pack problems in last season's Eagles' win. So, the Pack's suspect run defense needs to show up as they did (except for one 50+ yard run) last week. Wasn't great, but it was better. That progress needs to continue.

The Eagles defensive front is solid. As for what that translates to for the Packers offense remains to be seen. Starting center Corey Linsley was placed on the 3-week IR list this week following the knee injury he sustained last week. Uber-utility lineman Elgton Jenkins will get the start at center today with rookie lineman John Runyan getting his first start. Runyan has filled in admirably when needed so we wouldn't expect any drop-off in play from the O-line.

We do hope that the line is able to open up some holes for the running game today. And they should be able to do so. For as problematic as the Packers run defense has seemed for most of this season, it actually ranks higher than Philly in terms of total yards given up (i.e., meaning giving up fewer yards). So yards should be had by the Pack's backs, thus opening up the passing and play action game for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and his receivers should have a big game today against the Eagles undersized defensive backs.

Special teams play for the Packers hasn't really be special this season. Newly-acquired returner/wide receiver Tavon Austin might have a chance to make a big difference. He brings speed. And while expected to be active today, news just hit that reportedly he is not, meaning Tyler Ervin likely is healthy and active for the game. Great to have fast options either way. Will be interesting to see which way the Packers go with these two players today.

The Prediction

The Packers are winning and the Eagles have lost 3 in a row. Admittedly, and as crazy as it sounds with that record, Philly is still alive in the horrible NFC East Division so they do have something to play for today.

The oddsmakers have put the point spread at 8-1/2 to 9 points in favor of the Packers, depending upon who you're looking at. We think that sounds about right.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Eagles 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 14 Review of Packers win vs. Washington, NFL Week 15 Preview vs. Chicago — A twofer once more!

In yet another of our season-long "twofer" type posts, Packer fans, we are heading down the stretch of the regular season, and doing so by entering play against NFC North divisional opponents for the final 3 games.

But first, a very quick review of the game at Lambeau Field vs. Washington: the Green Bay Packers won 20-15. After getting off to a fast start, going up 14-0, the remainder of the game became a bit of a struggle offensively in terms of moving the ball consistently. More on that in a moment. Let's first acknowledge that the Packers defense once again came up big, getting takeaways that definitely helped the Pack hold on for the win. When the defense creates turnovers, the Packers win, simple as that.

But back to the offense...it's inconsistency has been, unfortunately, a season-long problem for the Packers. Despite the 10-3 record going into today's game, even QB Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur concur that the offense has yet to find its "identity" and at this stage of the season "what you see on film is who you are".

So, we can rejoice in the fact that, somehow, someway, through 13 games the Pack has found ways more often than not to win. There are weapons on offense, although not as many in terms of young wide receivers stepping up as was anticipated. The Packers need someone other than Davante Adams to be a consistent threat at wide receiver. Barring that, the Packers tight ends become better options in the receiving game, along with Aaron Jones who occasionally lines up as a receiver. That versatility offered by RB Aaron Jones, along with the pounding style of Jamaal Williams, makes the running game a legitimate threat each and every game.

Packers rookie left guard Elgton Jenkins has been a great fit and performer
this season along the O-line and will be counted on again today against a stout
Chicago Bears defense.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

The Preview and Prediction

Let me first of all just say that my friend, Billy Da Bearz fan, is heading to Green Bay as this is being written. He doesn't think Chicago will win, he told me yesterday, but still holds out hope that Da Bearz will somehow pull off the upset. I've always admired him for his insights. Especially, in this case, about how he doesn't expect Da Bearz to win today.

In the 200th meeting of these teams (the Packers currently lead the series, by the way, 98-95-6), in what will be a cold, 18-degree Lambeau Field, the Pack is favored by 4-1/2 points. While Chicago still has a shot at the playoffs after their 3-game win streak, the Packers have more to play for in the form of the NFC North title, playoff seeding and perhaps even a first-round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs; they'll need to win the 3 remaining games in order to have their best shot at all that.

In looking at today's game, the Packers are the healthier of the two teams, they have the better quarterback and offensive weapons (if they can all step up at the same time) and a bend-don't-break defense that is usually adept at getting pressure on the opposing quarterback and in generating turnovers. If all that holds today, the Packers will go to 11-3.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Bears 17 in yet another close game in this epic NFL series.

Go Pack Go!!!